Suspect sought after police shootout

Suspect in Intracoastal West shooting considered armed and dangerous

Police are searching for a suspect considered armed and dangerous after a shootout with officers late Wednesday night, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Police were dispatched to a shooting at Beach Boulevard and San Pablo Road at 10:10 p.m. One victim was located and transported to a local hospital in life-threatening condition.

A few minutes later, a JSO officer saw a vehicle near South Kernan Boulevard and Beach Boulevard that looked suspicious. It also fit a description of a vehicle they may have been looking for in a previous incident.

Police followed the vehicle and around 10:20 p.m., the driver pulled into the entrance of the Timberwood Trace Apartments off Atlantic Boulevard, according to JSO.

The suspect, who appears to have been the passenger in the car, got out of the vehicle and pointed a handgun at the officer and fire. Police returned fire, according to JSO.

"The exchange of gunfire did take place, and we don't know if that individual was injured," JSO spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda said.

The officer was not injured and the gunman ran from the scene.

Detectives were questioning the driver of the vehicle early Thursday morning.

At this time, JSO believes the victim transported from the scene at Beach and San Pablo was shot inside the same vehicle police have at Timberwood Trace Apartments. That victim, as well as the suspect, appear to be acquaintances, according to investigators.

Police do not believe this is a random shooting.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is actively looking for the suspect. K9 teams as well as the JSO helicopter are being utilized.

Anyone with information about the gunman or his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.

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